Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Review: The Bitter Kingdom

THE STORY (from Amazon)
The champion must not waver.The champion must not fear.The gate of darkness closes.

Elisa is a fugitive.

Her
enemies have stolen the man she loves, and they await her at the gate
of darkness. Her country is on the brink of civil war, with her own
soldiers ordered to kill her on sight.

Her Royal Majesty, Queen
Lucero-Elisa née Riqueza de Vega, bearer of the Godstone, will lead her
three loyal companions deep into the enemy's kingdom, a land of ice and
snow and brutal magic, to rescue Hector and win back her throne. Her
power grows with every step, and the shocking secrets she will uncover
on this, her final journey, could change the course of history.

But that is not all. She has a larger destiny. She must become the champion the world has been waiting for.

Even of those who hate her most.

MY THOUGHTSThe Bitter Kingdom is everything the conclusion of a sprawling, epic fantasy should be – a long and exhausting journey fraught with challenges mental, emotional and physical that brings us around full circle from where we began with Elisa so many pages ago. Ms. Carson dives straight back into Elisa’s story with little to no recap of previous events – and very few hints to help us identify some of the secondary characters who don’t feature as prominently in our memories as Elisa and Hector do – so a quick review of some of the events of The Crown of Embers is recommended. That being said however, though we don’t necessarily recall all the finer details of characters and places, it’s easy to get immediately swept up in Elisa’s search for Hector, the foggy specifics of books past becoming ultimately irrelevant in the face of her desperate search for a way to save the man and the country she loves.

Elisa is the type of character about whom it’s an absolute pleasure to read, starting her time with us off a touch whiny and completely unsure of herself as she’s thrust into an arranged marriage, but ending up a fighter, a champion, a leader, and someone whose strength never fails to be awe-inspiring. In this final installment we get to see the many varieties of Elisa’s strength, the augmented power of her Godstone combining with her growing skill in hand to hand combat to show us just how formidable she’s becoming physically, but it’s her strength as a ruler that truly shines. Her Godstone is what guaranteed her ascension to the throne, but it’s her intuition, her ability to think on her feet, and her compassion that keep her there, leaving a trail of unwavering loyalty in her wake as she risks everything for a chance at a better life for her people.

While secondary to the many challenges Elisa faces as both Queen and living bearer of a Godstone, the romance with Hector has been a highlight in the past and continues to be one in The Bitter Kingdom, providing a comforting warmth just when her journey is at its darkest. We are treated to a few select chapters from Hector’s point of view, something that deeply satisfies in the first part of the story when he and Elisa are separated and things between them are a touch up in the air, but even with the uncertainty we know neither Elisa nor Hector are the type to play games or hide feelings. They are nothing short of truthful with one another at all times, expressing fears and concerns on an emotional level as well as a professional one given Hector is Lord-Commander to Elisa’s Queen, and the two of them together simply delight with the upfront nature of their relationship.

The only minor drawback to this final installment is with regard to Elisa’s act of service, something that’s part and parcel with being a bearer and something that’s weighed heavily on her throughout the series. We do find out what her act of service is, but it’s unclear as to why this particular act is so important in the grand scheme of things. Granted, we’re reminded again and again that God’s plan isn’t necessarily going to be readily apparent and that Elisa’s act of service may not be something significant for years to come, but a small hint or clue as to its role down the line would have been nice. Overall though, The Bitter Kingdom is rich of character and story, and I can’t wait to see what Rae Carson comes up with next.

I haven't read this series either mostly because I tend to shy away from high fantasy books and then always stuck me as such. I am so glad you have enjoyed this series and although this wasn't perfect it was a nice conclusion to the series.

I've heard so many things about Hector as a romantic interest, and knowing that his relationship with Elisa remains open on both a professional and emotional level makes me happy and more motivated to keep reading (since I still haven't cracked open Crown of Embers). He just seems like a great character, and I've read other reviews that say his POV chapters were done quite well too :).

Your point about Elisa's act of service reminds me of Unearthly, with Clara's angelic purpose, which bothered me for the two books that I read (still haven't read Boundless) and might do the same here.

I like when authors dive right into the story even if it's disorienting without the details. I find myself skimming if there are a lot of info dumps whereas at least with the immediate start stories, it's like this challenge to myself to remember all the details. Plus, if I do get around to reading Crown of Embers, it'll probably be after this one's released so I can just read them back to back. Muahah :).

Glad that you found this to be a satisfying conclusion to the series, especially since Elisa had made your list of kick-ass heroines.

Oooo yes, it is similar to Unearthly with regard to her act of service. I was glad we got to know what it was, but I would have liked to have known the significance of it as well just because it was such a big deal throughout:) And Elisa is definitely kick-ass, she so deserves her spot on my list!

I've wanted to read this series ever since Keertana's review. It sounds like everything I might ask for. Too bad that he service wasn't discovered and now you can't stop asking yourself what it was. But still I'm so glad you enjoyed it overall :) Great review Jenny :)

Oh you do find out what it is, you just don't really know what effect it will have. I'm one of those readers that asks a lot of questions, so I couldn't help but want a little epilogue some months/years down the line that explained how her service was significant:)

I still need to read the second book in this series. I quite liked the first one. Just as much as you did. It's one of these series though that I want to read on but I'm in no huge rush to do so. perhaps I should be.

Well know you'll have the benefit of reading them together if you wanted which will help with the recall situation. I'd forgotten some of the events of Crown of Embers, but it didn't take me long to settle back into this story.

I'm so glad to see that you enjoyed this one, Jenny! I've hesitated to read this series, but Keertana's reviews (and now yours) have me fairly convinced that I might just need to get onboard. Plus, I love that you mention the romance continues to be a highlight through the story, as that's something that often begins to find rather lacking as a series progresses. Wonderful review, as usual, Jenny! :)

I haven't started this series yet, but it's definitely at the top of my to-read list. You know how much I adore reading YA fantasy and I can tell I will like this one. I can tell that if I read them close to one another I won't have a big problem remembering some of the finer details of the book.The main reason I want to read this though is because of Elisa's growth. She sounds complex and well-written. I'm definitely looking forward to reading this one, Jenny.Lovely review!

I'm so glad to see you enjoyed this overall, Jenny! I only skimmed your review, as I've still yet to pick up Crown of Embers. It's really reassuring to know that the trilogy wraps as well though. I'm looking forward to continuing soon. :)

I, too, enjoyed seeing Elisa evolve into this strong, confident individual, but I struggled just a tiny bit with pacing in this one. The ride through the desert and later the tunnels seemed endless, but the things I wanted to last, like that final battle and epilogue, ended far too soon.I loved this and I agree that it's a great conclusion, but I think I loved Crown of Embers more.Lovely review as always, Jenny!

Still need to read this series!! I'm going to want to carve out a specific time, ample time, to read them all in one go so I don't need any refreshers. I'm excited for it because I know I will love it. I'm really intrigued and a bit confused by the mention of an act of service and God. Guess I'll have to read the series to find out what that's about and hopefully I won't be frustrated by the lack of clarity in that... we'll see. Anyways - this was really informative to me, Jenny! Thanks.

AHH! This series is already on the final installment. I have wanted to try it for so long and now I missed my chance. I will still keep these in the pile for a rainy day and I will be watching out for her next one. I am glad it was a solid finish.

I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!! I agree, this is a fantastic conclusion. You're the second person that has mentioned having to reorient yourself into this story when you began, which makes me thankful that I read three of these books in the first half of the year. That's one thing that really affects series readings for me - when I have trouble remembering the previous stories. Anyway, I agree that Elise's growth and her relationship with Hector are two of my favorite aspects of this series. And I actually liked that her act of service was strange and not really related to all that she's become. But I WOULD like to know what it means. I wonder if the author has an idea and will write it?

I do enjoy a good fantasy and this looks like one of them. Oh I would have been frustrated too not to know what her act of service is... I mean a hint! :) I really do need to move that first book up my wishlist.

Yes-Yes-Yes! Love this series, so happy with the way it ended (though I wasn't sure about that whole act of service -- it seemed out of place and then she lost her Godstone, which was kind of sad, even though that's what was supposed to happen). Loved watching Elisa grow and love and mature into a fantastic leader. Now, when is Rae Carson releasing a new series? (Poor girl. She just finished this marathon!)

I skimmed through the review because I still haven't read the first book in the series but its nice to see that the finale isn't a total disaster. I'll definitely pick up this series now . Great review Jenny

I can't WAIT to read this! My copy should be in the mail since I'm scheduled to review it next week and I just can't wait to see what happens! I'm sad we don't get ALL the answers though. But I'm glad I was warned!

I have heard great things about this series, Jenny! But for some reason I never paid much attention to it until now! I love the sound of an epic fantasy novel, since I don't get around to that genre that often. Elisa sounds like a fantastic and admirable heroine. I don't think I would have survived, emotionally, if I had gone through an arranged marriage. Her character is the type I would easily come to like, so I am very excited to meet her. And of course...Hector! I don't know him, but I am already in love with him! lol ;p It'll be interesting to see things from his side. Too bad about the plot drawback. Hopefully, its addressed in future books. I'm glad you enjoyed this, overall, Jenny! Loved your review! :D

I'm hoping Carson will write another series set in this world but not focusing on Elisa; maybe that will show how her act of service fits in? I adored this conclusion-one of my favorite finales for a YA trilogy ever!

I loved the first book but still haven't read the second one yet. *hangs head in shame* I can't believe the third book is going to be released tomorrow! I've skimmed this one just to avoid any potential spoilers but it's useful to know that there's not much of a recap about prior events. I'll be reading the novels back to back then because I'm terrible at remembering tiny details found within previous books.